Papa Ajasco’s claim of being broke untrue, says Wale Adenuga

Veteran filmmaker and CEO of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has rejected actor Abiodun Ayoyinka's accusations that he is experiencing financial difficulties, with Ayoyinka well-known as Papa Ajasco.

Ayoyinka sparked online discussions after he claimed he was financially unstable in spite of his long-standing role in the acclaimed television program, Papa Ajasco and Company.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Adenuga labeled these statements as “untrue and misleading,” emphasizing that Ayoyinka hasn’t been prohibited from accepting advertising work, rather he simply needs to obtain official consent in accordance with brand protection rules associated with the Papa Ajasco and Company brand.

He characterized Ayoyinka as a multifaceted actor who closely resembles the original Papa Ajasco character he created in 1976, stating that there has been no significant conflict between them.

Providing context, Adenuga shared that Ayoyinka had a lengthy service as a civil servant with the Lagos State Government, dedicating over thirty years to this role and participating in the state's cultural troupe.

He stated, “Honestly, I wish to confront the surge of misinformation, emotional responses, and uninformed public involvement that has followed his recent media discussion. My intention is not malicious, but rather to uphold the truth, honesty, and the integrity of a legacy that has amused millions of Nigerians for many years.

“My aim is not out of malice, but to maintain the truth, honesty, and the integrity of a legacy that has brought joy to millions of Nigerians for ages. Abiodun Ayoyinka served as a civil servant with the Lagos State Government for over thirty years. He was also the prominent figure of the state’s cultural troupe, which endeared him to individuals like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his governorship and his successors. He retired not too long ago, and we would request approval from his office whenever we needed him on location.”

Addressing concerns of neglect, Adenuga mentioned that the production company has provided support to the actor over the years.

“At one point, we even gave him a car, similar to what we provided for Pa James. He has driven various vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz. To my knowledge, he also possesses a house in Ogun State,” he added.

He pointed out that the limitations on the use of the “Papa Ajasco” brand for personal endeavors were essential for safeguarding its identity, highlighting that actors are not restricted from pursuing additional opportunities.

“He cannot utilize the copyrighted brand name Papa Ajasco for his personal projects because it is our responsibility to shield the brand from unsuitable usage that might harm its reputation,” he stated.

Challenging the assertions of financial distress, he questioned, “Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka asserting that he is broke? Where are the investments from his over 30 years of distinguished service… What about his retirement benefits?”

Adenuga further noted that other members of the series' cast, including Pa James and various well-known characters, are still engaging in private projects outside of the show.
He mentioned that performers generally allocate only roughly six weeks each year for filming, allowing them considerable opportunities for different projects.

Adenuga reiterated his dedication to upholding professional connections and expressed gratitude to the public for their care and assistance.